Alabama

Florida defense stout so far, but more tests loom

The Florida Gators had just taken a 7-6 lead on the LSU Tigers on Saturday. It was the third quarter and LSU needed a big play to jump-start its struggling offense and keep its hopes of another undefeated regular season alive. There was so much on the line for Les Miles’ team — the longest regular season winning streak and a No. 4 national ranking just to mention two.

On a third-and-seven play from the Tigers’ 21, LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger came up with the big play. He connected with Odell Beckham for a 56-yard gain to the Florida 23-yard line.

But that’s where the magic ended for LSU thanks to Florida safety Matt Elam, a 5-foot-10, 210-pound junior.

Elam hit Beckham and stripped him of the football and Florida’s Pop Saunders recovered it stopping a threat. LSU was done in thanks to a great play from Elam and a concerted effort by a Florida defense that held LSU without a touchdown for a 14-6 win.